I admit, February was not one of my better running months. I was on track and then off, mostly because of weather conditions and traveling. So this week I have renewed my half-marathon training and am eying a bit of an unconventional race: the ODDyssey Half.
Part of the problem with me registering is that I’m intimidated by the half. I haven’t run longer than 9.25 miles EVER and that was a slow run. I know I have time to build, but I feel like I’m also kind of a slow runner so maybe I should be working on that first. I’m just very much doubting my own running ability.
I need some inspiration, but don’t know where to find it. Even this post is uninspiring. Sorry for being a Debbie Downer on a Friday!
If you can run 9 miles, you can run 10 miles and if you can run 10 miles, you can run 13.1 miles.
ReplyDeleteJust train for it. Run it. You don't have to be first place in that race, you know? Just finishing the race would be a great accomplishment (for now).
Trust yourself.
I'm definitely no long distance running expert, but when I was training for my first half a few months ago, I wanted to at least get the entire distance of 13.1 under my feet. So I ran 11 or 12 miles, and then walked the remaining 1-2 as a cool down. It helped build my confidence a lot. And always remember- there's nothing wrong with walking! All you need to finish a race is continual forward motion. Building your speed will come with time, and eventually you WILL start to run faster.
ReplyDeleteChristina is right- if you can run 9, you can run 10; and if you can run 10, you can run 13.1. You got this!
I guess it just depends on what is most important to you. For me, it was most important to do the half and have a time for it and then continue to do that same distance to strive for that PR.
ReplyDeleteLast year I did 2. This year I'm doing 6.
My two cents is to work on speed work during your weekly runs and building distance during the weekends.